My dog is pulling my other dog's fur out

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Hi everyone, Icetea, my St Bernard, must have some sort of behavioural issue; he has these mad moments. I can't explain it... Last year, when Muffin was still a puppy, he started pulling out or nibbling his fur. It looks like he's shaving him. Muffin ended up with no fur left on the back of his thighs or his back. I called my vet (well, the vet nurse, actually), but she couldn't give me an explanation; she'd never heard of anything like it. Muffin doesn't seem to mind, as he just lets him get on with it. And now he's started doing it again recently. What's bothering me, besides the worry for Muffin, is that I'm meant to have Muffin's breed confirmation assessment at the start of May. If he's missing patches of fur, I won't be able to go ahead with it. Last week, they were in contact with a female dog that had the scent of a friend who's currently in season. Could that have gone to his head? And as a result, could he be mistaking Muffin for a female? Has anyone else ever had this problem?
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    • Energiesolaire
    Energiesolaire Icon representing the flag French
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    It might take a bit too long to explain exactly how to go about it and all that, but personally, I’m a fan of direct communication. In a case like this, I’d simply tell the dog to stop what they’re doing. Other schools of thought suggest distracting the dog by redirecting them towards a different behaviour. What makes this possible is that you’re always there. You need to act at exactly the right moment—ideally, the very instant before they start misbehaving. The end goal, whichever way you choose to do it, is to get the St Bernard to stop plucking the other dog's fur.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    For a Saint Bernard, I’d give 6 to 8 drops four times a day for a month to see if it makes a difference. It’s essential to follow that up with long walks to tire him out and help him de-stress. That’s the key. Let us know how you get on! Thanks.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    TRICHOPHAGIA (Fur Eating): This is a compulsion quite similar to self-harm that can affect dogs who are excessively nervous, stressed, or cooped up. It's often seen in dogs who are bored. The only solution is to provide as much mental and physical stimulation as possible. Games, sports, walks, etc. Don’t use a muzzle—while it might save his pal’s fur, it’ll only make his problem worse. And definitely don't scold him, as that will just increase his stress. Try to stay indifferent to the behaviour and give Bach Flower Remedies a go. Best of luck!

    I never thought he could be bored; he and Muffin are so close, they never stop playing or cuddling, plus they’re with us all day. I’m currently on parental leave. Playing with toys on his own is pretty much out of the question—he just isn't interested in toys. He only likes “rough and tumble”, so to speak. And he is a Saint Bernard, after all... it’s not that I don’t like playing, but you can imagine!

    On the other hand, I’ve heard of Bach Flower Remedies, but I didn't know you could use them for dogs... how many sprays am I supposed to give him in his mouth?

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    TRICHOPHAGIA: This is a neurosis quite similar to self-harm that can affect dogs who are excessively nervous, stressed, or kept cooped up. It’s often seen in dogs who are bored. You need to provide as much stimulation as possible, as it's the only real way to solve the problem. Games, sports, plenty of walks, and so on... Don’t use a muzzle; even if it's effective at saving their companion's fur, it will only make the dog's own issue worse. Whatever you do, don't scold them, as you’ll just increase their stress levels. Try to remain indifferent to the behaviour and perhaps give Bach flower remedies a go. Best of luck!
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